In these elections, the Break O’Day council has 17 candidates, 8 of those are seeking re-election, two running for mayor and five for deputy mayor. There are nine positions on the council.

There are 5330 registered to vote in the Break O’Day municipality. 

Tyler Birch

I am a young newcomer regarding local government elections and am contesting the seat of councillor. I believe that as a 23-year-old, I can provide a unique voice for the electorate on a broad array of issues.

I have lived in St Helens for most of my life. I currently work in community development via the St Helens Neighbourhood House as a project officer for our THRIVE community garden initiative. In addition to this I recently helped support the Triple J One Night Stand event via a youth action group created by the council.

I am passionate about fostering greater youth engagement and leadership within the Break O’Day region. I stand for greater access and support for those seeking mental health services.  Diversity is key to good governance and this includes having a balance of age representation.  So please vote one – Tyler Birch

Fun fact: I am a state chilli eating champion taking out first place in the inaugural Tasmanian BBQ Society Ring Of Fire Competition (hasn’t been a hit on my CV yet).  

Kristi Chapple

Being the nominator of One Night Stand for St Helens I am a passionate supporter of our local community, promoting our area to the ABC was easy and boy did our community rise to the occasion, what is not to love about Break O’Day?

However, there are things we need to change to make it even better, some of these include permanent health professionals, more jobs and economic growth for the region, empowering our youth to be more involved in our community and increased youth services access, protecting our natural environment whilst encouraging environmentally friendly design processes, greater recognition of our community volunteers, maximising recycling including community green waste composting and getting rid of excess packaging and plastics.

Clever council decisions will encourage our region to grow, bringing visitors to the area, more money will be spent locally and our young people will look to stay in the area. I look forward to being a new, neutral, non-biased voice for the community, it is time for a change, and time to bring in new ideas that represent all of our community.

Janet Drummond

I moved to St Marys in 2007 from Sydney and I was elected onto the Break O’Day Council in 2014, it’s a role that is both challenging and exciting.  I feel honoured to have been voted in as councillor. I am passionate about working with the community and am an active community volunteer. 

I am proud about my involvement in promoting recycling in the municipality, and in getting kerbside recycling started. I focus on sustainable development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. 

I know that local government must show leadership on sustainable practises as this results in a strong economy, a healthy environment and vibrant communities.  I believe that transparency within the council is paramount. 

I work hard for the community and if I am re-elected, I will continue to put the same effort into representing and working with the community that I have for the last four years.

Quote: “A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows and bubbles all around.” - Carolyn Birmingham

Nick Langoulant

My working life has been mostly managing small business and not for profit enterprise.  I have worked with youth as a manager of PCYC centres and also in aged care and disability organisations.

I respect that there are many different voices to be heard within a council working collaboratively to achieve best practice on matters that affect us all.

I believe that planning conducted on the basis of real research, competent economics and transparent consultation will not damage community interests, natural resources, flora and fauna or local history.

I am qualified in Management, Project Management, Marketing and Community Development. I live in Scamander with my wife and two kids.  We choose to live here because we appreciate that nature, history and community are all still a part of everyday experience in Tasmania and we value those connections in our family life. 

Barry Le Fevre 

As an educated and community driven person I relentlessly pursue improved services for Break O’Day. Being a proactive leader and local with extensive networks I have a burning passion to maximise opportunities. St Helens is home base, but I have lived and worked throughout the municipality. My career as a school principal in all our local schools has given me a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of our local needs.

As a councillor of four years I have been a proactive leader. Examples include; driving the reinstatement of breast screening in the Fingal Valley, chairing the Mental Health Action Group and initiating Community Champions and a highly successful triathlon.

Better infrastructure, employment creation, improved delivery of health services and extended recreational opportunities are priorities for our future. Given my proactive and collaborative leadership style based on common sense decisions, together we can plan for a great future.

John McGiveron

Born in St Marys and have lived in Break O Day all my life where I have worked and raised our family with my wife Ruth. 

I worked in the local Coal Mining industry for 42 years in various roles from engineering management to Operations Manager for the final 10 years before retirement. I was a charter member of the local Lions Club and served for 42 years.

If re-elected I will be available as your full time representative for all of Break O Day. I have served on the council for the past 18 years with the last four years as deputy mayor.

During this time I have  enjoyed a strong productive working relationship with the mayor, fellow councillors , general manager, and all other council managers and staff.

My previous terms on council has been a solid learning experience which has enhanced my capacity and ability to be an effective contributor for the benefit of our community.

I strongly support sustainable industrial and tourism development with a focus on job creation in our region. I also am a strong advocate for continued upgrading and improvements to all the towns  in the Break O Day area. I have a strong proven industry and community background with an experienced and commonsense approach to issues. I would appreciate your support in the upcoming elections for councillor and deputy mayor.

Glenn McGuinness

I’m standing as a candidate for deputy mayor and councillor in the upcoming council elections.

If elected this will be my third term and I am proud to be a member of a well led, progressive team that has achieved a huge amount for our municipality in recent years.

I believe I have the credentials to fulfil the position of deputy mayor with a long history in business, and having fulfilled many community roles in a leadership capacity.

I’m a life member of the local Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of the Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival Committee, and am currently the Council’s representative on the board of the East Coast Regional Tourism Organisation.

I am also the chairman of a committee formed to preserve the last remaining example of a Foreshore Shack at Binalong Bay.

In summary, I’m a team player with a strong sense of social justice, but not a “yes” man.

Bill Manning

I’m for greater transparency, accountability, evidence-based council decisions. Key areas I would like to see changed are: Zero rates for pensioners with no other income, a new heated swimming pool for St Helens, better dog parks and access to off lead beaches, increase in outdoor staff including full time dog ranger, weeds officer and community liaison officer, no warship dumped in Skeleton Bay, an inquiry into the roles and functions of all office staff, amalgamation of councils and the Auditor General to investigate the efficiency of fuel reduction burns and the compliance with local state and federal government threatened species legislation.

I support the current prohibition of subdivisions and strata titling one kilometre from the coast, outside the main centres of St Helens and St Marys.

My working experience is as follows: Specialist Technical Forester employed by the Forestry Commission in native forest management (20 years) and the Forest Practices Board (12 years), in investigation and prosecution,of environmental offences statewide on private property, statewide auditor of compliance with the Threatened Species Act on SF, three years with WST, and two years diving for abalone . 

Community experience includes, 35 years of representing the Four Mile Creek and other communities in Planning Appeals before RMAT and since 1983, all Fingal/BODC planning scheme amendments .

I have a very good understanding of the 2013 BODC Planning Scheme, and land management issues on both private and state owned lands .To me long term planning is paramount for future generations both in resource use,management and planning of all environmental and social issues.

We need to be much smarter in planning for the future rather than just repeating the failures of the current generation.

Margaret Osbourne

I have been a councillor with Break O’Day Council since 2000 and I am standing again because I enjoy serving my community.

I am a life member of both the St Helens Netball Association and the St Helens Little Athletic Centre and actively serve the St Helens Hospital Auxiliary as president.

I am involved in the process of getting our new hospital by running the Tip Shop, which is to raise money to fit out the new palliative care ward. I am also the volunteer Coordinator of the St Helens District High School Association Op Shop which raises money for our school.

Please give me your number one vote, so I can ensure that your council implements plans for future job growth, town improvements, increasing visitor numbers, supporting education, and improving sports facilities. I know what works and what doesn’t.

Fun fact: Something quirky about me is that I am your very own “councillor on wheels” I have been in a wheelchair for the past 15 years but this hasn’t slowed me down, I actually get there faster.

Ross Quinn

I’m standing for deputy mayor and councillor. I intend to instil measures to provide an environment where staff, councillors and community members are treated with respect, and ensure transparent decision making processes are adopted. 

An auto electrician, I was self employed most of my career.

With qualifications in organic horticulture, I was instrumental in the formation of the St Marys community garden.  

I have worked as a teacher, special needs teacher assistant and a disability support worker.  I have also worked as a Logistician in Cambodia for an aide organisation.

 A vote for me will ensure a commonsense and fresh approach.  I would love to be part of vibrant new team.

Neville Rayner

I am originally from Hobart and worked in TAFE Campbell Street as the Learning Centre Manager and Business Management Teacher. I have lived and enjoyed St Helens for the past four years.

I am an enthusiastic radio presenter with STARFM. My radio name is “Nifty” and my program is “Grooving” on Thursday afternoons. I am highly motivated with a desire for music and the arts. I am keen to revive the Jazz Festival with the addition of Blues music. 

If elected I would seek to update all public infrastructure including, roads, walkways, recreational parks, fishing jetties and boat ramps. I will support all our community centres, emergency services, health centres and sporting bodies, Plus LINCs, Online Centres, and business in our community, and want to see them assisted and progress. 

I am pleased to hear from the community. Please vote for new blood and new direction.

John Tucker

I have been a councillor since 2014, I am 43 years old, married to Mhari and we have four children. We run the Antu Cattle and Pig Companies at The Gardens. We are a fourth generation, St Helens farming family.

I will continue to represent this community with honesty and integrity. I support the mountain bike tracks in Break O’Day and the sinking of the HMAS Darwin.  I support the creation of economically sustainable jobs in all areas.  I want our young people to have bright futures in our community.

Break O’Day continues to experience increasing international attention, and the way we present ourselves will require consideration and sensitivity, as we determine the way forward for our community. We will require strong leadership and understanding of the issues presented, and I believe my track record demonstrates my ability to do this.

Mick Tucker

I become a councillor in 2011 and mayor and councillor 2014. I become a councillor to make a difference. I have a passion to create employment opportunities for our youth.

As a truly independent mayor and councillor, I will continue my vision, which has local economic developments as the key pillar to our future prosperity. Continue the focus on attracting investment, continue to lead the way and proving our municipality is open for business, target the state and Commonwealth for funding of major projects like the upgrade and sealing of our airport.

As mayor and councillor,  I wish to see Break O’Day continue to lead the way across Rural Tasmania with a “can do” philosophy, which has delivered new levels of job opportunities and new levels of community pride and happiness.

Favourite saying: I don’t support soap box politics.

Lesa Whittaker

I have gained life and business skills through working in banking, retail and currently part-time in property management and a relief librarian. I’ve volunteered for the past 25 years with various local organisations and I am currently a youth mentor with Whitelion.

If elected you can be assured I will work diligently for the benefit of the ratepayers of Break O’Day and my decision making will be based on logic, merit, people’s needs and long term sustainability. 

I believe in a society based on harmony and values, where benefits are shared and the good of the community comes first.

As a councillor I would be a voice for the people of our community and  their needs. Some issues important to me are: supporting youth services, health services and availability, mental health services should be a priority in our community, maintaining a pristine and healthy environment and public safety.

Favourite quote: “I am, because we are.”

Randy Wilson

I decided to put my hand up for the Council simply because it is the right thing to do and, to that end, have been attending several council meetings to familiarise myself as to what’s involved.

I’ve been a ratepayer here on my six acre property for 20 years, finally retiring here late 2012 after a 40-plus year career of Navy service.

Since arriving in the St Helens area I’ve become involved in the RSL, the local Navy Cadets unit, my Anglican Church and volunteered for many community projects.

What with my Navy training, I am quite familiar with managing people and projects. I take all sides of an issue on-board, fairly weigh them up and then make my decision. I will apply this skill-set to my council duties should I be elected.

The council is an apolitical organisation and I have no agenda to pursue; it’s not a ‘stepping stone’ to state/federal politics.

Being retired, I have the time and the dedication to serve all of Break O’Day, the people and the industries, to make this region thrive.

Due to my having been ‘adopted’ by a kitten that was ‘dumped’ in the local State Forest, and having discussed the feral dog/cat/animal situation with rural friends, I would like to investigate methods to address this; perhaps in the somewhat prohibitive cost of spaying/neutering/ID-chipping of domestic pets.

An upcoming regional concern will regard a recreation dive wreck. I support this endeavour as long as all reasonable precautions are in place. The same goes for the bike/walking trail through the Tiers.

Kylie Wright

I am asking for the opportunity to serve as mayor and councillor. I am 54 and live in St Helens with my husband Paul.  We have a combined family of six adult children, and 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, who mostly live on the mainland.

I am very passionate about people and caring for our community. I believe I can bring a fresh approach to the role of mayor and if elected and will give my full time commitment, as well as continuing with ongoing volunteer work within the community.

We have an immediate need for improved access to health/mental health facilities and specialist services, as well as greater youth engagement and community consultation. Good governance, transparency and accountability are essential. Sustainable economic growth and tourism will increase employment opportunities, while safeguarding our lifestyle.

I will always be available to listen to your concerns, and seek fair and equitable outcomes.

Fun fact: My relaxation times are largely spent singing both with our local jazz band and the local music scene at band jams, and as part of a duo. 

Brady James Young

I am running for a councillor position and I would like to thank you in advance for your vote. I believe that with my varied life experience (social worker, sports person, farmer, sole trader) that I am in a position to understand the varied needs of the people in this municipality.

I will ensure you have a voice, by listening to your concerns and bringing them to the council for action. My aim is to grow our municipality: socially, environmentally and economically, by working collaboratively as part of the council team.

If we all work together and our actions benefit the community, then together we can support and enhance our families, businesses along with our coastal and rural lifestyles.  There is no better place in the world to live.

Fun fact: I love archery and am the president of the Break O’Day Field Archery Club.